THE ADVANCE OC
STORY
Our History
Our mission is clear: to close the gaps in opportunity and foster thriving communities. We envision a future where opportunity is a right for all, not a privilege.
Today, we are a dynamic organization committed to identifying and addressing inequities while empowering communities across the nation. We strive to create a future where everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
WHAT WE DO
Our Staff
We are proud to be a 100% BIPOC organization, led by a dedicated team of passionate community advocates. With expertise in data science, public health, theology, family law, social work, and technology, we bring together diverse perspectives that enrich our work. Our personal stories and shared vision unite us, forming a committed team that deeply understands the complexities of inequity and harnesses the transformative power of collaboration.
Together, we are not just addressing health equity; we are forging a path toward lasting change and a more equitable future for all.
Torhon Barnes
Director
Bio
Torhon is a former foster child and social work professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in public health and non-profit administration. He has a proven track record of promoting equity and supporting underserved communities. Recognized for his effective program management and team leadership, Torhon has received several awards, including the 2024 Future Leaders Award from the OC Black Chamber. He serves on the Advisory Board for the California Department of Public Health’s Black Health Equity Advisory Group and the Calbright College Healthcare Advisory Council. Torhon is a published co-author of “Teaching Hope: Stories from the Freedom Writer Teachers.”
Torhon holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton. He is also a champion of adult intramural sports and is dedicated to helping others turn their tragedies into triumph!
What would you do on a free Saturday?
Take an early morning hike, pick-up flag football game in the afternoon, and a nice dinner with family/friends.
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
I would teach a cooking class.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Sacramento, CA – Our golden nuggets are Dr. Cornel West, LeVar Burton, and the Sacramento Kings along with many Olympic athletes and stars.
Tammy Peng
Director
Bio
Tammy is Director of Operations at Advance OC, and has more than 20 years of legal experience in private, public and non-profit sectors. In her capacity as an attorney for the non-profit Asian Americans Advancing Justice, she focused primarily on training and educating the underserved communities regarding civil rights, raising awareness of hate crimes, working with law enforcement for better community policing, and providing legal services including family law, domestic violence, eviction, immigration, and consumer law. She was instrumental in developing and implementing a court-based Vietnamese language family law project for self-represented litigants in the Orange County Superior Courts, the first of its kind in the nation. Tammy worked extensively with elected officials on the state and federal levels, both as staff and as advocate on behalf of communities of color.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
Have coffee and tea and read all day
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
“Journey through the seven continents”
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Born in Taiwan and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, I got the best of both worlds as they have each become foodie heaven, thanks to the infamous night markets and Din Tai Fung that grace their presence in both.
Antonio Rodriguez
Data Analyst
Bio
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Antonio is a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine, with a master’s degree in data science and a bachelor’s in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He is passionate about machine learning, data engineering, and analytics, eager to leverage my skills to drive meaningful insights and innovations.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
Relax and enjoy college football.
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
“Advanced Overthinking: When ‘What If’ Is Your Default Setting.” No final exam; just a multiple-choice quiz where every answer seems equally wrong.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
The Rock bands to come from the Los Angeles Area.
Mary Zhuang
Research Associate
Bio
Mary is a proud UCI Alumni (go anteaters!) with a major in Human Biology and minor in Health Informatics. Finding her passion for data and health equity through the UCI Public Health Information and Technology (PHIT) Internship, Mary now works as a Research Associate at Advance OC. During her time at Advance OC, her emphasis has been in data analysis and narrative building to identify and address the social determinants of health and developing innovative solutions that empower communities and reduce inequities in healthcare delivery.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
Go on a long mountain hike or read at a cafe with friends and a Matcha latte!
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
I would host a sports workshop!
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Toronto, Canada – The fall foliage is hard to beat!
Samy Haidar
Project Coordinator
Bio
Samy Haidar is Project Coordinator with Advance OC. He graduated from UC Irvine in 2023 with a degree in Human Biology and a minor in Health Informatics. Before officially joining the Advance OC team, he worked as a Peer Academic Advisor for UCI’s Campuswide Honors Collegium, serving the diverse student population at the university. Since interning with Advance OC as part of the UCI PHIT (Public Health Informatics & Technology) program in Summer 2022, he has gained a strong interest in the advocacy of community health and wellness and the utilization of informatics technology to integrate data in the pursuit of equity.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
In my free time, I always enjoy playing pick-up basketball or gaming on my PlayStation.
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
World History through Maps. I’ve always been a huge history/geography nerd.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Cerritos, CA – I’m very proud of my hometown Cerritos library which includes an aquarium and life-size model T-Rex skeleton.
Mike Marmolijo
IT Administrator
Bio
Mychal Marmolijo has been working in the IT field since 2014. His experience in the IT field spans to various areas such as computer systems, network maintenance, and cybersecurity management. What drives him to stay in this field is the ever-so constant need to solve complex problems and improve IT efficiency.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
It would either be golfing, camping or hanging out with the family
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
I would teach Cybersecurity training because it is of utmost importance in today’s digital age. With the vast amounts of sensitive information stored and transmitted electronically every day, its essential to protect this information from unauthorized access and malicious actors.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
Pampanga in the Philippines is a place to visit for several reasons but mainly for the food. Pampanga is famous for its unique and delicious food that cannot be found anywhere else throughout the region. Trust me, if you have not tried sisig or kare-kare, you are missing out!
Irma Gil
Office Manager
Bio
Irma is the office manager at Advance OC. She is a first-generation Mexican American and loves to engage with the community and help those in need. With a proven track record in community engagement, particularly within the Latinx population, Irma’s contributions to projects like the COVID-19 and Older Adults Needs Assessments have been invaluable. Her bilingual skills, coupled with a genuine passion for community enhancement, make her an essential part of our team, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and accounted for in our initiatives.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
I like to go hiking
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
Cooking class ( Mexican food )
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
It has the biggest celebration for Dia de Los Muertos
Elsy Salcedo
Project Analyst
Bio
Elsy is a proud graduate of Cal State University, Long Beach, where she earned both her Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a focus on Community Health Education. A dedicated public health professional, Elsy has extensive experience serving underserved communities. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she specializes in bridging language and cultural barriers to ensure equitable access to health resources. Elsy has a strong background in community outreach, data collection, research, and translation. Passionate about promoting health equity, she has collaborated on needs assessments and health education projects, leaving a positive impact on community well-being.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
I would go on a long hike with my family, followed by a coffee date and a relaxing massage.
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
I would love to teach a nutrition class, especially for moms-to-be. I believe that everything we eat impacts us, whether in the short or long term. Healthy eating habits established early in life can significantly influence health outcomes in the future.
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
My hometown is Puerto de La Libertad in El Salvador, known for its beautiful beaches that are popular among surfers. Puerto la Libertad has even hosted the World Masters Surfing Championship, organized by the International Surfing Association, making it one of the top surfing destinations.
Britney Chen
Intern
Bio
Britney is a recent Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Global Health graduate from California State University, Fullerton. At Advance OC, she serves as an intern and currently supports a variety of research initiatives under the organization. She is passionate about utilizing the power of data to paint meaningful pictures of the current health landscape. In doing so, she hopes that proper resources and programs can be allocated to promote health equity for all. In the future, Britney is interested in pursuing further schooling for an MPH in Epidemiology.
What would you do on a free Saturday?
On a free Saturday, I’d most likely be baking or taking my dog for a walk on the trails around my neighborhood!
If you could teach any class, what would it be?
It would 100% be crochet amigurumi! I picked it up about a year ago and now it’s become one of my top hobbies!
What is one thing about your hometown that you would brag about?
The San Gabriel Valley has amazing Asian food!
Board Members
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Katie Kalvoda
2
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Tim Henderson
3
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Katherine
Amoukhteh
4
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Dr. Clayton Chau
5
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Kelita
Hull-Gardner
6
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Karin Kalk
7
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Derek Angelo Serrano
Advisory Committee Members
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Advisory Committee Members, whose domain expertise significantly enhances our engagement and reach into the community. These independent advisors play a crucial role in supporting our efforts, though they do not convene, serve on the Board of Directors, or influence our operational decisions.Their insights help us effectively connect with and uplift the voices of those we serve.
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7
Barry Ross
Executive Director, Justice Partnerships, Sisters of St.Joseph Healthcare Foundation & Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Fund
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8
Dr. Connie Bartlett
Chief Medical Officer at National Healthcare and Housing Advisors
Am
10
Alexandria Macias, PH.D
Professor of Political Science California State University Northridge
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11
Shirish Dayal
Executive Vice President, Tarsadia Foundation
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13
Kopitzee Parra-Thornton, PH.D.
Director, Care Experience at Mission Hospital
Rm
14
Robert V. “Bobby” McDonald
President/CEO Orange County Black Chamber & Black Chamber Education Fund
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15
Padhraic Smyth
Chancellor’s Professor, Department of Computer Science and Statistics, University of California, Irvine
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16
Christopher Dennis
Founder of The Campus Culture Group and Equity Advocate
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17
Suzanna Tashiro Choi
President/Owner at Tashiro Choi & Associates
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18
Elysabeth Nguyen, PH.D. MBA
Social Entrepreneur, CEO of OLLV Foundation
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19
Denise Carter
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert
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20
Kim Monti
Legal Expert
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21
Karen Williams
Expert in Housing and Homelessness
Hc
22
Helen Cameron
Expert in Housing and Homelessness
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23
Paul Wyatt
Former City of Dana Point Council Member; Orange County Commission to End Homelessness
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24
Cathleen Greiner
Center for Entrepreneurship, NOCCCD
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25
Matt Harding
UCI Professor of Economics and Statistics
